Unusual Ideas To Help You Quit Smoking

It seems like all the quit smoking advice available today is the same advice that has been circulating for years. While a lot of it is helpful, the fact is many people use it and fail when trying to quit smoking. Many people believe that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is crazy. In this article, we will present some offbeat ideas to quit smoking that may just help you kick the habit for good. Read on to learn more.

Start Off On The Right Foot 

Do not begin your quit smoking campaign when you are in a bad mood or when things are going badly. You will have more success if your life is on a fairly even keel when you quit smoking. Once you have made the decision to quit, turn your work area, car and home into smoke free zones. Do not let anyone smoke around you.

Alter your schedule and your setting to eliminate triggers from your life. If you crave a cigarette when you sit in your favorite chair and read the paper, change where you sit to change your associations. If you are used to going outside to smoke on breaks at work, take a walk instead.

Give Yourself Substitutes

Keep a stash of healthful, satisfying foods on hand to give yourself something to do with your hands and mouth when you crave a cigarette. A few good options include:

* Nuts of all kinds
* Carrot sticks
* Celery sticks
* Radishes
* Grapes

Nuts with shells and sunflower seeds that present a little challenge and keep you busy are especially good. Grapes can be frozen to provide a variety in sensation and to take a little longer to consume. You could also carry a pack of cinnamon toothpicks and some sugar-free gum with you for a quick fix when you cannot stop and have a snack.

In addition to giving yourself substitutes for cigarettes, give yourself substitutes for things that go with cigarettes. For example, if you like to smoke a cigarette and have a cup of coffee, explore the many possibilities available in herbal teas. Changing your beverage will improve your overall health and help eliminate a smoking trigger.

Be Proactive

You may have been using smoking to mask your feelings and emotions. Many people reach for a cigarette instead of expressing anger or frustration. Make a positive effort to put your thoughts and feelings into words when you feel like reaching for a cigarette.

Add positive activities to your life to take the place of smoking such as hiking, biking, walking, dancing, swimming. In fact, you can even use positive imagery to replace smoking. A British study showed that thinking about playing tennis helps smokers redirect their cravings. Playing tennis is even better!

When you feel challenged as you work on quitting smoking, just think about the times in your past when you have succeeded at overcoming obstacles. If you experience a relapse, do not worry about it. Just try again. Follow the tips presented here to quit smoking successfully.